WASHINGTON – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack on a call with reporters on Wednesday strongly criticized the draft farm bill prepared by U.S. House Republicans, saying it damages the coalition that has traditionally rallied behind farm bills and “raises the real possibility that we won’t be able to get our agriculture claims through the process.”
The sweeping five-year bill, which would oversee agriculture, nutrition, commodity and environmental protection programs, is scheduled to be considered by the House Agriculture Committee, led by Chairman Glenn “GT” Thompson, Republican of Pennsylvania, starting Thursday morning.
It already appears to be on track to clash with proposals in the Democratic-controlled Senate amid disagreements over anti-hunger measures and conservation programs. Additionally, any must-pass legislation would be introduced in the House with a narrow 217-213 Republican majority.
Mr. Vilsack expressed frustration at the eight-month delay in tackling the $1.5 trillion package and said he had “deep concerns” about the policy proposal Mr. Thompson announced last week. Lawmakers vying for spending and the speaker’s post last year voted to extend the 2018 Farm Bill, which is set to expire on September 30.
“I appreciate the fact that people are working hard. I appreciate the fact that they listened to rural people,” said Vilsack, a former Iowa governor.
“But I think what we have is a situation where this proposal being advanced by Republican members of the House, Agriculture Committee, is actually designed not to have a path to passage. I’m worried…unfortunately, I think it’s designed to cause further delays as the route is congested. ”
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Nutrition, reduction of disaster programs
Vilsack said he opposes provisions that would cut spending for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which provides food assistance to more than 40 million low-income households.
The liberal Center on Budget and Policy Priorities estimates that the bill could cut as much as $30 billion over 10 years by limiting future renewals of the food savings plan that underpins the benefit levels. Mr. Vilsack put the figure at $27 billion.
“It’s clear that historically there has been a coalition that has been central to passing farm bills that understands the importance of addressing nutrition programs and agricultural programs,” Vilsack said. “This is essentially a rift in the coalition that is absolutely necessary for the Farm Bill to pass…The fact that we have crossed that no-crossing line makes it unlikely that the Farm Bill will be able to pass through this process. It’s actually increasing.”
He also took issue with provisions in the House bill regarding the Commodity Credit Corporation, which implements various agricultural programs.
The bill would limit the USDA’s authority to invoke Section 5 of the CCC, which Vilsack said would tie the USDA’s hands in responding to natural disasters that affect farmers. The Department of Agriculture said it must rely on Congress to enact disaster assistance.
“There is no guarantee that such a bill will pass,” Vilsack said. “And second, Congress often underfunds these bills, as was the case with the most recent 2023 disaster.”
He said Thompson is proposing to “essentially eliminate the ability of the Secretary of Agriculture to use the CCC in the face of, for example, a market-distorting natural disaster.” He also said he believes the bill overestimates the potential savings.
Vilsack said he prefers the farm bill proposed by Senate Agriculture Committee Chairwoman Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.), calling it “more realistic” and “workable.” Stabenow released a summary but not the text of the bill, which would, among other things, increase eligibility for nutrition programs such as SNAP.
Chair defends proposal
In a statement after the call, Thompson denied Vilsack’s comments and said his bill would be a “historic investment” in agriculture.
“It is clear from this 11-hour pursuit that the Secretary is determined to use all of the borrowing powers available to him if left unchecked to circumvent Congress.” “The Committee reaffirms Congress’ authority over the Commodity Credit Corporation, which will curb reckless executive spending and fund the Farm Bill’s important bipartisan priorities.
“The sudden outburst over the use of the CCC as a reward is just the latest partisan attempt to divide the committee and delay passage of the Farm Bill.”
In a press release Wednesday, the committee said it would include the president of the American Federation of Farmers’ Associations, the CEO of the National Conference of State Legislatures, the CEO of the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture, and various commodity and trade organizations. Several people, including leaders of the United States, also cited statements praising Thompson’s proposal.
